YOUNG learners got the chance to walk the corridors of power in a bid to bring politics into the classroom.

Year 10 and 11 pupils from Ebbw Fawr Learning Community visited the Houses of Parliament as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate studies.

Alongside learning about how Westminster works – including forming their own parties and debating policies – the group got to grill Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith on everything from tuition fees to alcohol prices.

Mr Smith said: “It was fantastic to see so many young people from Blaenau Gwent not only interested in the wider world, but also having real opinions on the things that matter. These future voters are just some of the talented and able students our borough produces, and I was only too happy to help out.

“No matter their age, every constituent deserves the right to hold me to account and have their voice heard equally,” he said.

John Hillier, Welsh Baccalaureate co-ordinator for the Ebbw Fawr Learning Community, said: “We are trying to make politics interesting for the students and it’s been a real opportunity for them to come to the Houses of Parliament.

“It was great to see the children asking questions and talking about it, because it can be a difficult subject to get teenagers involved in at that age.”

“The fact they are talking about alcohol use and dangerous driving as well shows the children realise there are problems.”